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Saving luggage space is an admirable goal, but if you're thinking of letting your running shoes double as walking shoes, you should reconsider. In contrast to running, which uses a springing motion, walking uses a rolling movement, which requires greater outsole flexibility. Running shoes also lack elegance, and the Journeywoman website, which collects travel trips from female travelers, advises that wearing sneakers in high-fashion cities like Paris immediately identifies you as a tourist. The ideal women’s travel shoe is functional and fashionable. Thanks to some innovative manufacturers, these descriptors are not mutually exclusive.

Softspots Tace

Softspots Shoes began as a nursing shoe manufacturer. When the company branched out into other types of shoe design, it combined the comfort of a nursing shoe with style and elegance. The Tace walking shoe comes with Velcro straps, which can be adjusted to accommodate the late afternoon foot swelling that often results from a full day of walking. They are also easily removed on an airport security line, and their lack of metal means that they won't set off any alarms. The shoes come with Softspots' signature Pillowtop™ footbed, which massage the feet while providing support and stability. The Tace Walking Shoe comes in red, black, blue and brown.

Söfft Shoe Company

100 Brickstone Square,

Suite 502

Andover, MA 01810

978-933-4700

softspots.com

Patagonia Women's Sugar and Spice

The Women's Sugar and Spice boasts an innovative design that allows it to double as a pair of slippers. The detachable latex rubber outsole provides traction and durability for wet-weather walking. Remove the outsoles on the plane and you have a comfortable pair of slippers. Its Mary Jane design is dressy enough to wear with a skirt, while it provides the comfort of a walking shoe. The Sugar and Spice shoes can also be rolled up and placed in a bag or backpack.

Patagonia Mail Order

8550 White Fir St.

P.O. Box 32050

Reno, NV 89523-2050

800-638-6464

patagonia.com

Easy Spirit Abyss

The Easy Spirit Abyss is part of the company's "E-Active" line, and features breathable, moisture-wicking liners as well as a gel heelstrike that absorbs impact. Its Velcro strap can be adjusted. The thick sole and the cross-stitching pattern by the toe box provide added support, which you may appreciate when walking the cobblestone streets of Europe or other uneven terrain.

Easy Spirit

Jones Apparel Group Corporate Offices

1411 Broadway

New York, NY 10018

(212) 642-3860

easyspirit.com

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About the Author

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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